Capsule For The Preparation Of Infusion And Soluble Beverages

ABSTRACT

A capsule (1) for the preparation of infused or soluble beverages comprises: a cup (2); a cover (6); a bottom (3) with an opening (31) for the outflow of the infused beverage; a base (33) with internal reliefs (310, 320, 330, 340, 350, 360) devoid of puncture elements. The capsule comprises internally a closing disc (5) permanently fixed to the inner reliefs (320, 330, 340, 360) and composed of at least two distinct portions (51, 52), joined together in an at least partially releasable manner. The capsule is characterized in that the opening for the outflow of the infused beverage occurs as a result of the deformation of the disc (5) by the pressure exerted by the fluid inside the capsule (1), to determine a separation between the portions (51, 52) that comprise the disc (5), a separation that opens a passage for the outflow of the infused liquid.

An object of the present invention is a capsule for the preparation of infused or soluble beverages.

In particular, the object of the present invention is a capsule for the packaging of concentrated products (for example in the form of powder, granules, leaves) in predetermined and single-use dosage forms for the impromptu preparation of beverages (such as tea, coffee, herbal teas, milk, chocolate, etc.) by introducing a pressurized fluid (usually hot water) into the capsule itself.

In the field of capsules or pods for coffee or other infusions, the use automatic or semi-automatic machines equipped with a dispensing unit adapted to produce an infusion by means of passing hot water under pressure through the capsule containing the extract to be infused or dissolved is known.

The common operating principle of such machines involves the perforation of the cover used to close the capsule to allow the introduction of a flow of hot water under pressure by means of the infuser assembly. Once the infusion of the extract contained within the capsule is achieved, the infused beverage flows out of the capsule and is directed by the machine into the cup or the final container.

The capsules are provided with a sealing film, usually made of aluminum, positioned at the bottom of the capsule on a base provided with one or more points or cutting or perforating profiles. Increasing the pressure inside the capsule causes the pressurized fluid to push the aluminum layer against the points on the base to cause perforation. Once an opening has been created in the sealing film layer, the infused beverage may flow out from a suitable opening at the base of the capsule itself.

These capsules are quite complex from a construction point of view, especially with regard to making the points and the cutting and perforating profiles on the base. Therefore, the known capsules are quite expensive especially in terms of manufacturing the molds thereof.

The object of the present invention is to provide a capsule for the preparation of infused or soluble beverages that solves the problems of the known art.

In particular, the object of the present invention is to provide a capsule for the preparation of infused or soluble beverages that is simpler and more economical than the known capsules, while achieving similar performance in terms of the quality of the infused beverage.

Such object is achieved by a capsule wherein the opening for the outflow of the infused beverage occurs as a result of deformation of the sealing disc placed inside the capsule due to the pressure exerted by the pressurized fluid inside it, thus avoiding the use of any cutting or perforation means as in known capsules.

Furthermore, the object of the present invention is to obtain a homogeneous deformation of the sealing disc in order to assure the opening of the capsule.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an effective seal for the capsule to assure the gas tightness.

This object is achieved by a capsule for the preparation of infused or soluble beverages according to claim 1, and a method for preparing an infused beverage according to claim 11. The dependent claims describe preferred embodiments of the invention.

The features and advantages of a capsule for the preparation of infused or soluble beverages according to the present invention will be apparent from the description given below, provided by way of non-limiting example, in accordance with the accompanying figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view from above of a cup of a capsule for the preparation of infused or soluble beverages in accordance with the present invention in a variant of embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view from above of a cup of a capsule for the preparation of infused or soluble beverages in accordance with the present invention in a further variant of embodiment;

FIGS. 3 and 4 show respectively a sectional view and a top view of a capsule provided with the cup of FIG. 1 before infusion;

FIGS. 5 and 6 show respectively a sectional view and a top view of a capsule provided with the cup of FIG. 1 after infusion;

FIGS. 7A and 7B show respectively a sectional view from above of the sealing disc of the capsule of FIG. 1 before infusion;

FIGS. 8A and 8B show respectively a sectional view from above of the sealing disc of the capsule of FIG. 1 after infusion;

FIGS. 9A and 9B show a detail of the bottom of the capsule of FIG. 1 before and after infusion;

FIGS. 10A and 10B show a detail of the bottom of the capsule of FIG. 2 before and after infusion.

With reference to the appended figures, and in particular FIGS. 3 and 5, a capsule for the preparation of infused or soluble beverages is shown, indicated at the reference number 1.

Capsule 1 comprises a body or cup 2 suitable for defining an internal volume V for containing at least one substance to be infused or dissolved, typically in powder or granular form.

The cup 2 is provided, on the one side, with a bottom 3 and, on the opposite side, with an inlet opening 21 defined by a protruding edge 4 extending outward.

The capsule 1 comprises a cover 6 fixed by bonding or welding to the edge 4 adapted to seal the cup 2 at the top.

The cup 2 is provided on the bottom 3 with an outlet opening 31, defined by a nozzle 32, adapted to allow the outflow of the infused beverage.

The cup 2 is provided on the bottom 3 with a base 33 provided with a plurality of reliefs 310, 320, 330, 340, 350, 360 projecting vertically with respect to the base 33 itself.

The top surface of the reliefs 310, 320, 330, 340, 350, 360 is substantially flat and devoid of cutting, puncture or tearing elements. Also, the reliefs 310, 320, 330, 340, 350, 360 have beveled and rounded edges.

Preferably, the reliefs 310, 320, 330, 340, 350, 360 all have substantially the same vertical extension.

A sealing disc 5 is fixed, by bonding or welding, on the upper surface of at least some of the reliefs 310, 320, 330, 340, 360.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the base 33 comprises a central portion 310 defined by a first relief covering the output opening 31 of the nozzle 32. The central portion 310 is provided with at least one connection opening 311 between the inside of the cup 2 and the outlet opening 31, to allow the flow of the infused beverage out of the capsule 1. Preferably, the central portion 310 comprises a plurality of connection openings 311.

The base 33 comprises a labyrinth 30 defined by at least one further relief 320, 330, 340. The labyrinth 30 is of a substantially circular shape and disposed concentrically with respect to the nozzle 32 (and the central portion 310).

Each relief 320, 330, 340 of the labyrinth 30 is provided with a plurality of grooves 321, 331, 341, preferably diagonal, adapted to allow the infused beverage to flow out of the capsule 1.

In an example of embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the labyrinth 30 is defined by a first labyrinth portion 320, a second labyrinth portion 330, and a third labyrinth portion 340 arranged concentrically with respect to the nozzle 32.

The base 33 comprises an outer edge 360, defined by a further relief, whereon a sealing disc 5 is securely fixed by bonding or welding.

In an example of embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the base 33 comprises a collection compartment 352 for the infused beverage to flow out of the capsule 1. The collection compartment 352, defined between the labyrinth 30 and the edge 360, is an annular groove recessed with respect to the labyrinth 30 and the edge 360. Also advantageously, the collection compartment 352 defines a space adapted to accommodate, without obstructing it, the deformation of at least one portion of a sealing disc 5 when the pressure exerted by the fluid within the capsule 1 reaches a certain threshold opening level. This choice of construction allows the disc 5 to deform freely within the collection compartment 352 so as to form at least one crease 52 adapted to open a passage P for the outflow of the infused beverage.

In a different example of embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the base 33 also comprises a plurality of sectors 350, defined by further reliefs, arranged between the labyrinth 30 and the edge 360, within the collection compartment 351.

Circular sectors 350, substantially in the shape of a circumferential arc, are arranged circumferentially homogeneously with respect to the nozzle 32. Also the sectors 350 are beveled and provided with a substantially flat top surface devoid of cutting, puncture or tearing elements. A sealing disc 5 rests on the upper surface of the sectors 350.

In a variant of embodiment, the sectors 350 have substantially the same vertical extension as the other reliefs 310, 320, 330, 340 that form the base 33. In a different variant of embodiment, the sectors 350 have a lower vertical extension, i.e. they are lowered with respect to the other reliefs 310, 320, 330, 340 that form the base 33.

The sectors 350 define a plurality of compartments 351, or compartments or spaces, which allow the infused beverage to flow out of the capsule 1. In particular, a compartment 351 is defined between a pair of adjacent sectors 350. Also advantageously, the compartment 351 defines a space adapted to accommodate, without obstructing it, the deformation of at least one portion of a sealing disc 5 when the pressure exerted by the fluid within the capsule 1 reaches a certain threshold opening level. This choice of construction allows the disc 5 to deform freely within the compartment 351 so as to form at least one crease 52 adapted to open a passage P for the outflow of the infused beverage. Moreover, the presence of the sector 350 allows the disc 5 to be supported in such a way as to ensure that the passage P has an adequate width for the infused beverage to flow out correctly and easily.

As shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, the capsule 1 for preparing infused or soluble beverages comprises a sealing disc 5, fixed inside the cup 2 at the bottom 3, adapted to seal the cup 2 from below. The disc 5 is positioned between the internal volume V and the reliefs 310, 320, 330, 340, 350, 360.

The capsule 1 is thus provided with a closed chamber 12, defined at the top by the cover 6 and at the bottom by the disc 5, within which the substance to be infused or dissolved is contained.

The presence of a hermetically sealed chamber 12 is important for good maintenance and preservation of the substance: the hermetically sealed chamber 12 allows the organoleptic properties of the substance to be infused or dissolved to be maintained over time and ensures an infused beverage of good quality.

An essential element for obtaining a hermetically sealed chamber 12 is the proper gas tightness of the system for fixing the sealing disc 5 within the capsule 1.

For such reason, the sealing disc 5 is composed of an outer portion 51 and an inner portion 52, joined together, by welding or bonding, in a manner which is at least partially releasable.

The outer portion 51 is a ring surrounding the inner portion 52 in the form of a disc, joined together by welding or bonding in an at least partially releasable manner. As shown in FIG. 7B, the inner edge of the ring that forms the outer portion 51 overlaps the outer edge of the disc that forms the inner portion 52. In the overlap area 53, the two outer 51 and inner 52 portions that form the sealing disc 5 are joined in an at least partially releasable manner, i.e. by the use of a low-adhesion or weak lacquer 89, or bonded by means of a low-adhesion or weak adhesive. Such lacquer 89 allows the detachment or separation of the two outer 51 and inner 52 portions due to the increase of pressure inside the capsule 1.

Preferably, the weak lacquer ensures a detachment force lower than that of standard lacquers.

Preferably, the overlap area 53 between the outer 51 and inner 52 portions comprising the sealing disk 5 is positioned at a compartment 351,352 of the base 33. In the variant of embodiment of FIG. 9A, the overlap area 53 is positioned at the collection compartment 352; in the embodiment of FIG. 10A, the overlap area 53 is positioned on at compartment 351 between two adjacent sectors 350. Such a technical solution allows the disc 5 to deform as a result of the increased pressure inside the capsule 1, precisely at the overlap area 53 between the outer 51 and the inner 52 portions.

Furthermore, the disc 5 is welded or bonded permanently to the base 33 of the cup 2, i.e. using a standard lacquer 88. Such standard lacquer 88 prevents the detachment or separation of the sealing disc 5 from the base 33.

Advantageously, the permanent welding between the disc 5 and the edge 360 of the base 33 of the cup 2, ensures an effective closure of the capsule so as to assure gas tightness.

In particular, as shown in FIGS. 9A and 10A, the outer edge of the ring that forms the outer portion 51 is fixed to the outside edge 360 of the base 33, and the inner portion 52 is fixed to the labyrinth 30 or at least on the outermost relief 340 forming the labyrinth 30.

Preferably, the disc 5 is permanently bonded or welded also to the central portion 310.

In the variant of FIG. 1, the disc 5 is only supported without being fixed to the sectors 350. Advantageously, the sector 350 defines a support and sliding surface on the inner 52 and outer 51 portions of the disc 5 during its deformation by the pressurized fluid inside the capsule 1 when a certain opening pressure is reached. Moreover, the sectors 350 keep the disc 5 raised during deformation in such a way as to ensure that there is a free path for the infused beverage to flow out of the capsule 1.

Preferably, the disc 5 is a durable aluminum film i.e. adapted to deform due to the increase in pressure within the capsule 1 without breaking or tearing.

Preferably, the disc 5 is a film with a thickness between 25μ and 45μ and still more preferably between 30μ and 40μ.

Preferably, the disc 5 is a film made of aluminum or a plastic/aluminum composite or plastic material, either single- or multilayer.

Preferably, the cover 6 is a film made of a plastic/aluminum composite or plastic material, either single- or multilayer.

The cup 2 is made of plastic material, preferably injection molded or thermoformed. For example, the cup is made of polypropylene (PP), or polyethylene (PE), or polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

A capsule according to the present invention may be used for the packaging of concentrated products (in the form of powder or granules or leaves) in predetermined and single-use doses, for the impromptu preparation of beverages such as leaf or soluble tea, powdered or instant coffee, herbal teas, milk, chocolate, or other dehydrated and soluble products.

The capsule 1, in its various variants of embodiment, may be used for the impromptu preparation of beverages (such as tea, coffee, herbal teas, milk, chocolate, etc.) by means of automatic or semi-automatic machines equipped with a dispensing unit adapted to produce an infusion via the passage of pressurized hot water through the capsule 1.

Thus, in use, the capsule 1 is inserted into a suitable seat provided in the machine. The machine perforates the cover 6, positioned to seal the capsule 1, and injects a pressurized fluid (typically hot water) into the chamber 12 wherein the substance 11 is contained.

The presence of the disc 5 to seal the bottom 3 of the capsule 1 allows the pressurized fluid to remain for a certain amount of time in contact with the substance 11 to be infused or dissolved to ensure an optimal infused beverage is obtained. The pressure exerted by the fluid inside the capsule 1 rises to a certain threshold level or opening pressure (for example between 4 and 8 bar) which pushes on the disc 5 to cause the capsule 1 to open. At this point, the infused beverage may flow out through the outlet opening 31 and be directed through the nozzle 32 into the cup or the final container.

In particular, as shown in FIGS. 5, 6, 8, the opening of the capsule 1 is determined by the at least partial deformation of the disc 5.

As a result of the increase in pressure inside the capsule 1, the disc 5 becomes slightly convex at the compartment 351, 352, i.e. in the overlap area 53 between the outer 51 and inner 52 portions. As shown in FIG. 8B, due to the pressure increase inside the capsule 1, the outer edge of the inner portion 52 rises slightly with respect to the inner edge of the outer portion 51. The two portions 51, 52 detach or separate, at least partially, from each other. Such separation causes the sealing effect previously ensured by the sealing disc 5 to fail.

Also due to the increase in pressure within the capsule 1, at least the outer edge of the inner portion 52, and preferably also the inner edge of the outer portion 51, is deformed with a certain buckling and forms at least one crease 54, and preferably a plurality of creases.

The deformation of the disc 5 at the overlap area 53, and in particular the crease 54, results in a separation between the outer 51 and inner 52 portions of the disc 5 so as to allow the opening of a passage P for the outflow of the infused liquid.

In particular, the creases 54 are formed at the compartments 351, 352.

Advantageously, as the disc 5 simply rests on the upper surface of the sectors 350 without being welded or bonded to them, it may slide freely over the sectors 350 during deformation due to the increase in pressure within the capsule 1. Such a technical solution allows the disc 5 to deform without tearing or breaking.

In the capsule 1 according to the present invention, the outlet passage P for the infused beverage is created spontaneously between the chamber 12 and the nozzle 32 by only the increase in pressure exerted by the pressurized fluid inside the capsule 1 without needing means for perforating or tearing the disc, such as points or sharp profiles.

Furthermore, no detachment or yielding occurs in the permanent welding between the disc 5 and the edge 360 of the base 33, a permanent welding that maintains the previously ensured sealing effect.

An object of the present invention is therefore a capsule 1 for the preparation of infused or soluble beverages, comprising:

a cup 2 suitable to define an inner volume V for the containment of at least one substance to be infused or dissolved, said cup being closed on top by a cover 6, said cup being equipped with a bottom 3 provided with an opening 31 for the outflow of the infused beverage, and a base 33 provided with reliefs 310, 320, 330, 340, 350, 360 devoid of cutting or puncture elements;

a disc 5, positioned inside the cup 2 and adapted to seal the capsule 1 at the bottom, permanently fixed on the reliefs 320, 330, 340, 360 of the base (33; wherein the disc 5 is composed of at least two distinct portions 51,52, joined together in an at least partially releasable manner, and wherein the opening of the capsule for the outflow of the infused beverage occurs as a result of the deformation of the disc 5 by the pressure exerted by the fluid within the capsule 1, a deformation which results in a separation between the portions 51,52 that compose the disc 5, a separation that opens a passage (P) for the outflow of the infused liquid.

Furthermore, in the capsule 1, the deformation of the disc 5 determines, at least in a compartment 351, 352 provided in the base 33 of the capsule 1, at least one crease 54 adapted to define a passage P, between the portions 51,52 that compose the disc 5, for the outflow of the infused beverage.

An object of the present invention is also a method for preparing an infused beverage by means of a capsule 1 according to the present invention, wherein the opening for the outflow of the infused beverage is obtained by the deformation of the disc 5 due to pressure, a deformation that causes at least a partial separation of the portions 51,52 that compose the disc 5 so as to cause the sealing effect previously ensured by the disc 5 itself to fail.

Innovatively, a capsule for the preparation of infused or soluble beverages according to the present invention is simple in construction and in any case may ensure high performance in terms of the quality of the infused beverage. In fact, in such capsule the opening for the outflow of the infused beverage occurs as a result of the deformation of the sealing disc covering the bottom due to the pressure exerted by the fluid inside the capsule, thus avoiding the use of any cutting or perforation means.

Also advantageously, the deformation occurs exclusively at an inner portion of the disc itself, i.e. in the overlap area 53 between the inner portion 52 and the outer portion 51 forming the disc. The sealing disc is thus made in such a way as to ensure the gas tightness and at the same time in such a way as to be provided with an area of yield which is able to deform and open due the pressure inside the capsule. In addition, the disc being secured to the base exclusively by means of permanent welding (at the edge 360 and the labyrinth 30), it is surely able to ensure an effective and long-lasting gas tightness. Advantageously, therefore, a capsule thus made allows the organoleptic properties of the substance contained within to be maintained over time, thus ensuring an infused beverage of an excellent quality.

It is clear that a person skilled in the art may make modifications to the capsule for the preparation of infused or soluble beverage described above, all of which are within the scope of protection as defined by the following claims. 

1. A capsule for preparing infused or soluble beverages, comprising: a cup suitable to define an inner volume for the containment of at least one substance to be infused or dissolved, said cup being closed above by a cover, said cup being provided with a bottom, provided with an opening for the outflow of the infused beverage, and a base provided with reliefs devoid of cutting or puncture elements; a disc, placed inside of the cup and suitable to seal the capsule below, permanently fixed on the reliefs of the base; characterized in that said disc is composed of at least two distinct portions joined together in a manner at least partially releasable, and in that the opening of the capsule for the outflow of the infused beverage occurs as a result of the deformation of the disc by the pressure exerted by the fluid inside the capsule, deformation that determines a separation between the portions that compose the disc, separation that opens a passage for the outflow of the infused liquid.
 2. The capsule according to claim 1, wherein the deformation of the disc determines, at least in correspondence of a compartment provided in the base of the capsule, at least one crease suitable to define a passage, between the portions that compose the disc, for the outflow of the infused beverage.
 3. The capsule according to claim 1, wherein the portions that compose the disc are joined together in an area of overlap by means of a weak lacquer to yield, allowing the at least partial detachment between the portions that compose the disc.
 4. The capsule according to claim 3, wherein the area of overlap of the portions that compose the disc is placed in correspondence of a compartment made in the base in such a way that the disc is deformed at the area of overlap.
 5. The capsule according to claim 4, wherein the compartment is an annular groove, realized in the base between an outer edge and a labyrinth, suitable to house, without obstructing it, the deformation of the disc when the pressure exerted by the fluid inside the capsule reaches a certain opening threshold level.
 6. The capsule according to claim 4, wherein the compartment is a recess, defined between a pair of adjacent reliefs suitable to house, without obstructing it, the deformation of the disc when the pressure exerted by the fluid inside the capsule reaches a certain opening threshold level.
 7. The capsule according to claim 6, wherein the disc is supported, without being fixed, on the reliefs suitable to maintain lifted the disc in deformation phase in such a way as to provide a free path for the outflow of the infused beverage to the outside of the capsule.
 8. The capsule according to claim 1, wherein the disc is composed of an outer portion in the form of a ring that surrounds an inner portion in disc form, and wherein the inner edge of the ring that realizes the outer portion is superimposed on the outer edge of the disc that realizes the inner portion.
 9. The capsule according to claim 1, wherein the disc is permanently fixed to the base by a lacquer suitable to prevent the detachment or separation of the sealing disc from the reliefs.
 10. The capsule according to claim 1, wherein the reliefs on which the disc is fixed are at least one outer edge and a labyrinth portion.
 11. A method of preparing an infused beverage from a capsule, according to claim 1, wherein a pressurized fluid is inserted, characterized in that, when the pressure exerted by the fluid inside a closed chamber defined in the cup between the cover and the disc reaches a certain threshold level, the opening of the capsule to allow the outflow of the infused beverage is obtained by deformation of the disc by the pressure, deformation that determines a separation, at least partial, of the portions that compose the disc in such a way as to reduce the sealing effect previously provided by the disc itself.
 12. The method of preparing an infused beverage, according to claim 11, wherein the deformation of the disc determines, at least at one compartment provided in the base of the capsule, at least one crease suitable to define a passage between the portions that compose the disc for the outflow of the infused beverage. 